Let’s be frank — homes consume a lot of power, and most of it comes from finite resources. Unfortunately, the limited availability of fossil fuels leads to unstable markets, which cause power prices to rise every year. As a result, being a homeowner just got even more expensive!
But what if there was a way to detach yourself from the volatile energy market and create your own energy? That’s where solar energy comes in, promising to provide homeowners with true energy independence. Already hooked? Then here’s what you need to know if you want to become energy independent with solar power.
What is Energy Independence?
Being energy independent means that you don’t rely on the national grid to power your home. In other words, you generate your own energy and use it as much as you want, without having to worry about paying for it. But, in order to achieve that, households have to rely on alternative sources of energy such as solar power.
Why Should I Want Energy Independence?
The most important advantage of being energy independent is that you have peace of mind. More specifically, you won’t have to worry about energy bill increases, which are almost a given considering that the world is running out of fossil fuels. In fact, you will save money on energy bills, which should help you in the long run.
Additionally, energy independence guarantees that you won’t suffer in the case of a grid failure. A case in point, the Texas power crisis of 2021 left more than 4.5 million homes and businesses without power due to a massive electricity generation failure. And while wind turbines and solar panels were initially blamed, data showed that failure to winterize power sources, like those for natural gases, was the main cause. So, solar panels are your best bet if you want to avoid blackouts.
How Much Does it Cost?
Although solar panels can seem quite expensive, the reality is that switching to solar power has become more affordable in recent years. For starters, the price of solar panel installations has dropped by more than 70% in the last decade. Actually, nowadays, the average cost of a residential solar energy system can be as low as $15,000. But best of all, solar panels will reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. Why is that important? Because that way, you will be able to get back your initial investment in a couple of months or years.
Furthermore, there are a variety of money-saving opportunities! As an example, there is a federal tax credit of 26% that you can use to reduce the cost of solar installation. Not only that but some cities and states offer their own rebates and tax credit programs that help you save even more money. As such, it’s clear that becoming energy independent is more affordable than ever!
How Do I Get Started?
The first step to becoming energy independent is to get your roof inspected by a local roofing company. They will be able to fix any damage and decide if your roof is ready for solar panels. Next, you need to contact a solar energy company and request an estimate. Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on the area you live in and the size of your roof. And lastly, don’t forget to apply for any tax rebates and incentives to lower the price of your solar installation.
Conclusion
All things considered, thanks to solar energy, it is much easier than ever to become energy independent. As a result, it’s clear that more and more households will give it a try in the coming years. And while you’ll still have to invest some money, you can’t ignore the pros of solar energy.
So, why rely on your local grid when you could have complete control over your energy? Now is the time to give solar energy a chance!
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